Pivotable Gutter

ABSTRACT

Pivotable gutter having brackets spaced apart comprising mounting members ( 20 ) and carrying member ( 22 ). The gutter being lockable ( 30, 36 ) in a first position. The gutter has open ends sections ( 112, 114 ) that is sealable via sealing means ( 141 ) or a lining ( 178 ) with other gutter sections when the gutter sections are in the first position.

The present invention relates to an improved gutter system and, inparticular, to a gutter system that is pivotable from a first positionto receive rain water or melted snow, to a second position to facilitatecleaning and maintenance of the gutter, and vice versa.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Homes and other buildings are typically constructed having some form ofgutter system which serves to collect rain water or other liquid fromthe roof and direct that water away from the house. A gutter generallycomprises a longitudinal, rigid structure having a channel extending thelength of the gutter. Typical styles of gutters that are available inAustralia include D-gutters, fascia gutters, halfround gutters and O.G.gutters which each serve the same purpose but are each contouredslightly differently. Generally, a first longitudinal side of the gutteris directly mounted to a fascia or other like structure immediatelyunderneath the edge of a roof, and the opposed side generally terminatesinto a rounded edge. When water enters the channel, it is typicallydirected away from the gutter through one or more downpipes at its ends.It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not tobe limited to any particular style of gutter, and although thedescription and drawings relate specifically to D-gutters, the systemmay well be altered to accommodate for other rain gutter types such asthe others mentioned above.

It is well known that gutter systems must be cleaned and maintained atconstant intervals in order to avoid certain problems that may ariseincluding gutter leakage, gutter damage and general clogging of thegutter channel and downpipe with foreign debris. For example, whenbuild-up of foreign matter, such as leaves, occurs within a gutterchannel or downpipe, the transport of water away from the gutter isrestricted resulting in water build-up. Eventually, this build-up ofwater may lead to potentially larger problems such as water entering theattic, seepage of the water through the walls near the cornices, ordamage to objects adjacent the gutter. Also, if the gutters are ‘wet’for a long time, this increases the susceptibility to corrosion of thegutter.

There have been a number of attempts to overcome these problemsincluding using gutter guards and other protective screening devices.These types of devices may succeed to a certain extent in preventinglarge debris from entering a gutter channel, however, they fail toprevent particulate matter from entering the channel so even when usinggutter guards and similar devices, one must still clean the gutterchannel at regular intervals.

Homeowners often talk of the difficulty in accessing the channel of agutter for cleaning or for general maintenance. In conventional guttersystems, one is forced to either climb a ladder or mount the roof itselfin order to clean the gutter channel and downpipes. This is not onlydifficult, but may also be dangerous and often results in the homeownerhaving to pay a specialist to complete the task on their behalf. Thereexist some prior art gutter systems which include means to pivot thegutter for easier access thereto, however, there are a number ofproblems associated with these apparatus.

Most existing pivotable systems involve the use of quite complexmechanisms for actuating pivot of the gutter. Those skilled in the artwould know that the more parts involved in a gutter system, the moreexpensive the system is to manufacture and the more difficult the systemis to operate. This also ultimately results in greater cost to theconsumer. Further, complex componentry of a gutter system is much moresusceptible to damage due to rain and wind as opposed to systems havingsimple mechanical parts and a smaller number of parts.

The installation of known pivotable gutter systems, whether it is anewly installed system or a system adapted to be retrofitted into anexisting non-pivotable gutter system, is problematic and cumbersome. Theproblem arises from the need to direct water away from the gutter. Insome systems known to the applicant, the downpipes, which traditionallyextend downwards from a lower surface of the gutter channel, must beredesigned to allow for the pivotable movement of the gutter. The designand positioning of such downpipes is often inadequate in that they donot allow for the quick and easy retrieval of water away from the gutterchannel.

Further, those skilled in the art would realise that in redesigning andmanufacturing new downpipes, the complexity and cost of such systemsalso increases. Also, retrofitting such gutter systems onto existinggutter arrangements is not really an option in that if the downpipeshave to be replaced, then the entire existing gutter will typically needto be removed as well. There is therefore a requirement for a pivotablegutter system to be able to accommodate for existing conventionaldownpipe arrangements. In the case of newly installed systems, this willeliminate the need for designing and manufacturing new types ofdownpipes, and in the case of retrofitted systems, this will simplifyinstallation in that only minor manipulation of the existing gutterarrangement is required and desired aesthetic appearance may bemaintained.

Some pivotable gutter systems require that the gutter be speciallydesigned and contoured to the design of the gutter system. It would bepreferable to have a pivotable gutter system whereby any form orcross-section of gutter may be fixed thereto.

There is therefore a need for a simple, low cost, easily producedpivotable gutter system which retains the integrity of a conventionalrain gutter system.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at leastsome of the aforementioned problems or to provide the public with auseful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a gutter systemincluding:

a longitudinal gutter;at least two support brackets spaced apart along said longitudinalgutter for supporting the gutter below a roof edge, whereby each of saidat least two support brackets includes a mounting member adapted to befixedly mounted to a surface below the roof edge, and a pivotable memberhaving said gutter attached thereto, said pivotable member beingpivotably moveable between a first position wherein said gutter ispositioned to receive liquid, to a second position wherein said gutteris easily accessible from a position therebelow.

The present invention therefore provides for a pivotable gutter systemwhereby the gutter is pivotably moveable between a first position forreceiving rainwater or other liquid to a second pivoted position tofacilitate cleaning or any other duties which need to be performedthereto. One can also appreciate that the present invention overcomesthe problems associated with prior art gutter systems in its simple yeteffective configuration.

Preferably said mounting member includes two perpendicular edges, a sideedge for mounting to said surface and a top edge adapted to extendoutwards from said surface over said gutter.

Preferably said pivotable member includes two perpendicular edges, abottom edge which extends outwards from said surface and beneath saidgutter and a side edge to which said gutter is attached.

In preference the bottom edge of the pivotable member is pivotablyconnected to the side edge of the mounting member whilst the side edgeof the pivotable member is lockable to the top edge of the mountingmember.

Advantageously said lock is in the form of a latch.

Preferably said pivotable member first position constitutes saidpivotable member being locked to said mounting member whilst saidpivotable member second position constitutes said pivotable member beingunlocked from said mounting member and in a fully pivoted position.

Preferably movement of said pivotable member from said first position tosaid second position involves a rotation of approximately 90 degrees.

Preferably said gutter includes at least one open portion adapted topermit the exit of liquid from said gutter.

In preference said at least one open portion of the gutter is located atan end thereof.

Preferably said at least one open portion may be located at any pointalong said gutter. This may be the case where the aesthetic nature ofthe gutter is important, for example, at the front of a home where it ispreferable for downpipes and open portions to not be visible.

Preferably said gutter system includes at least one downpipe includingat least one inlet of a sufficient size to allow liquid from one or moregutter open portions to be received therein.

Preferably said downpipe inlet is located a pre-determined distancebelow said at least one gutter open portion thereby allowing liquid fromsaid gutter to be received therein.

Preferably said pre-determined distance between the at least one gutteropen portion and the downpipe inlet is sufficient to allow for saidpivotable member to be rotated to said second position.

In preference when said pivotable member is in said second position,said at least one gutter open portion remains above the correspondingdownpipe inlet so that liquid may continue to be received therein.

Advantageously, said at least one downpipe includes a straining meansfor preventing foreign particles from entering said downpipe.

Advantageously each of said brackets of said gutter system areaffiliated with one another in such a way that when a pivotable memberof one bracket is unlocked from a corresponding mounting member, thepivotable members of the remaining brackets are also unlocked from eachof their corresponding mounting members. This is beneficial in that onedoes not need to unlock each and every bracket in order to pivot thegutter but simply one bracket which automatically unlocks the remainingbrackets. This may be achieved by mechanical means or even motorisedmeans.

In a further form of the invention there is proposed a gutter system ofthe type adapted to be mounted beneath a longitudinal roof edge, saidgutter system including:

a plurality of brackets mounted at spaced apart longitudinal intervalsbelow said roof edge whereby each of said brackets includes a mountingmember and a gutter carrying member pivotably connected thereto andpivotably moveable between a first and a second position;a longitudinal gutter including two opposed open ends, said gutteradapted to be carried within the gutter carrying members of each of saidspaced apart brackets such that when the gutter carrying members are insaid first position, the gutter is adapted to receive liquid fromthereabove, and when the gutter carrying members are in the secondposition, the gutter is pivoted for easier access thereto; andat least one downpipe located a predetermined distance below said gutteropen ends for receiving liquid therefrom, said pre-determined distancebeing sufficient to allow for pivot of the gutter carrying member intosaid second position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention there is proposed a guttersystem including:

at least a first gutter section;at least a second gutter section, said second gutter section beingmoveable between a first position wherein at least one water receivingsurface of said first and second gutter sections are axially aligned,and a second position whereby said water receiving surfaces aremisaligned such that said second gutter section is more easilyaccessible from a position therebelow.

In preference said first gutter section is adapted to be fixedly mountedto a surface below a roof edge and said second gutter section ispivotably mounted to said surface.

Preferably said gutter system includes a sealing means adapted to sealthe gap between the first and second gutter sections to therebyintegrate the respective water receiving surfaces when the second guttersection is in the first position.

Advantageously said first gutter section includes at least one means oftransporting water away from the gutter system.

Preferably said water transporting means is in the form of a downpipe.

The present invention according to a second embodiment thereforeprovides for an improved gutter system in that the gutter systemincludes sections that are moveable from a first position for receivingrainwater or other liquid to a second pivoted position to facilitatecleaning or any other duties that need to be performed thereto. Thegutter system further includes sections that are fixed so thatconventional gutter systems having conventional downpipe configurationsneed not be altered significantly to include such pivotable guttersections.

Preferably said gutter system includes at least two spaced apartbrackets, each of said brackets including a mounting member, and agutter carrying member pivotably connected thereto, said gutter carryingmembers adapted to support said second gutter section.

In preference said sealing means is in the form of a sealing materiallining at least the inner side of the gutter carrying member.

Advantageously said sealing means is in the form of a sealing materiallining the inner side of the mounting member and the gutter carryingmember.

Preferably a bracket is mounted adjacent each end of the second guttersuch that when the second gutter section is in said first position, thesealing material lining the inner side of the bracket provides a seal atthe junction between respective first and second gutter sections.

Preferably said mounting member includes two perpendicular edges, a sideedge for mounting to said surface and a top edge which extends over saidgutter, said top edge including a recess for allowing space for saidroof edge.

Preferably said pivotable member is contoured to the cross-sectionalshape of the gutter.

In preference said second gutter section is lockable in said firstposition.

Advantageously said lock is in the form of a latch.

Preferably movement of said pivotable member from said first position tosaid second position involves a rotation of approximately 90 degrees.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a guttersystem including:

at least a first gutter section; at least a second gutter section, saidsecond gutter section being pivotably moveable between a first positionwherein at least one water receiving surface of said first and secondgutter sections are axially aligned, and a second position whereby saidwater receiving surfaces are misaligned such that said second guttersection is more easily accessible from a position therebelow, said firstgutter section including a sealing means adapted to seal the gap betweenthe first and second gutter sections when said second gutter section isin said first position.

In this situation, the brackets no longer require a sealing means andmay be positioned in from the edge of the second gutter section. Thismay be done for aesthetic reasons for example.

In preference said sealing means is a sealing material lining the innersurface of an end of the first gutter, said sealing material extendinglongitudinally beyond the end so that when the second gutter section isin said first position, the sealing material seals the gap between thefirst and second gutter sections to thereby form a single waterreceiving surface.

In preference said second gutter section is lockable in said firstposition.

Advantageously said lock is in the form of a latch.

Preferably movement of said pivotable member from said first position tosaid second position involves a rotation of approximately 90 degrees.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several implementations of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theadvantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a gutter system according to afirst embodiment of the present invention, including a gutter in a firstposition for receiving rainwater from a roof edge;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the gutter system of FIG. 1whereby the gutter is in a second pivoted position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the gutter system as shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the gutter system as shownin FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the gutter system of FIGS. 1-4including a downpipe positioned beneath a roof edge external corner forreceiving water from the gutter ends;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the gutter system andassociated downpipe of FIG. 5 whereby the gutter is in the secondpivoted position;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the gutter system of FIGS. 1-4including a downpipe positioned beneath a roof edge re-entrant cornerfor receiving water from the gutter ends;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate style of guttersystem for mounting at the front of a house in accordance with the firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a gutter system according to asecond embodiment of the present invention, including pivotable guttersin a first position for receiving rainwater from a roof edge inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the gutter system of FIG. 9whereby the pivotable gutters are in a second pivoted position;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the gutter system as shownin FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the gutter system as shownin FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 a illustrates a perspective view of a pivotable bracket whichforms part of the gutter system of FIGS. 9-12;

FIG. 13 b illustrates a side view of the pivotable bracket of FIG. 13 a;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a gutter system includingpivotable gutter sections in a first position for receiving rainwaterfrom a roof edge in accordance with a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pivotable gutter sectionof FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pivotable gutter sectionof FIG. 14 in a pivoted position for easier access thereto;

FIG. 17 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the pivotable guttersection as illustrated in FIG. 15; and

FIG. 18 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the pivotable guttersection as illustrated in FIG. 16.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of the invention refers to theaccompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplaryembodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made tothe embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will beused throughout the drawings and the following description to refer tothe same and like parts.

The present invention relates to a pivotable gutter system according tothree separate embodiments. The first embodiment relates to pivotablegutter system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the second embodiment relatesto pivotable gutter system 100 illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 b, and thethird embodiment relates to pivotable gutter system 150 illustrated inFIGS. 14-18. These are each described in turn below.

The pivotable gutter system 10 according to a first embodiment of theinvention includes a series of brackets 12 that are adapted to belongitudinally spaced apart along a fascia 14 or other similar surfacethat lies underneath and extends along the length of a roof 16. Thefascia 14 caps the ends of a plurality of roof rafters 15. The roof 16in this example is of the corrugated iron type having an end cap 18separating each face however the system 10 of the present invention maybe applied to any style of roofing, for example tiled roofing.

Each bracket 12 includes two members, a mounting member 20 that isfixedly attached to the fascia 14 and a pivotable member 22 that is inpivotable connection with the mounting member 20. Unlike conventionalgutter systems having gutters that are mounted directly to the fascia 14or other surface, the present invention involves a gutter 24 beingmounted to the pivotable members 22 of each bracket 12 such that thegutter 24 is effectively supported by each spaced apart bracket 12.Those skilled in the art should immediately realise the simplicity andeffectiveness of the gutter system 10 in that the pivotable members 22of each bracket 12 together with the gutter 24 are pivotable from astandard water receiving position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) to apivoted position to facilitate cleaning and maintenance thereof (asshown in FIGS. 2 and 4). Each of these components and their working willnow be described in greater detail.

Mounting members 20 and pivotable members 22 are each substantiallyL-shaped, rigid structures, that is, they each include two edges thatare angled substantially perpendicularly to one another. As isillustrated in the accompanying drawings, a side edge of mounting member20 is fastened to the fascia 14 using screws 26, this edge having aclosed loop section 28 at its end, whilst its top edge extends over thetop of the gutter 24 and includes a latch 30 in the form of a turnedsection. Pivotable member 22 has a base edge that also terminates into aclosed loop section 32 which engages with loop section 28 of mountingmember 20 to thereby allow for pivot of the pivotable member 22 relativeto the mounting member 20. A side edge of gutter 24 is mounted to theside edge of the pivotable member 22 using rivets 34, this member 22also having a bent or turned section 36 that is adapted to be easilyconnected and disconnected from latch 30.

When the brackets 12 and gutter 24 are positioned as shown in FIGS. 1and 3, rainwater that falls onto the pitched roof 16 runs down into thegutter 24 in the same way it would when using a conventional guttersystem. Obviously, the fact that the gutter is capable of being pivotedmeans that conventional downpipe arrangements cannot be used. For thisreason, the ends 38 of each gutter 24 are open to thereby cause liquidthat is collected within the gutter 24 to run off the gutter ends 38.The method of collection of this liquid shall be later described.

FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate the gutter system 10 when the turned section 36of member 22 of each bracket 12 has been disengaged from theirrespective latches 30 and the gutter 24 is pivoted. The pivoted positionof the gutter 24 allows for the inside of the gutter to be very quicklyand easily cleaned and generally allows for easy access to the inside ofthe gutter for any other purpose that may be required such asmaintenance and repair.

It is to be understood that the methods of connection as described abovemay well vary. For example, bracket 12 may be mounted to fascia 14 usingsome form of adhesive (not shown) that is capable of fixing the mountingmember 20 and supporting the remainder of the apparatus including theweight of any debris that may enter the gutter. Rather than using rivets34 to attach the gutter 24 to the pivotable member 22 of the bracket 12,the gutter may well be constructed integrally with the pivotable member22.

Insofar as rotation of the pivotable member 22 is concerned, the use ofrounded sections 28 and 32 which are pivotably engaged is by way ofexample only and any other suitable means of pivoting member 22 may beused, as will become apparent in the final embodiment. For example, thebracket may be motorised so that when a user pushes a button, anelectrical impulse trigger actuation of the pivotable member 22 from itsstandard position to its pivoted position, or vice versa.

Further, bracket 12 need not be limited to the form illustrated anddescribed. For example, rather than members 20 and 22 being thin piecesof metal that are spaced at intervals along the length of the gutter 24,bracket 12 may be made to extend a greater longitudinal distance of thegutter, perhaps in the form of an extruded bracket having a fixedlongitudinal member and a pivotable longitudinal member.

In using the gutter system 10 as described thus far, one needs to unlockeach and every bracket 12 in order to commence pivoting the gutter 24for easier access thereto. This may prove timely and therefore thegutter system 10 according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention may well include a linking means (not shown) that links eachpivotable member 22 such that when a member 22 of a single bracket 12 isunlocked from latch 30, the members 22 of the remaining brackets alongthe length of the gutter 24 are simultaneously unlocked from theirrespective latches 30. Those skilled in the art would realise that asystem having such features would require a user to simply climb aladder (not shown), unclip a single bracket 12 which disengages theremainder of the brackets 12, and proceed to pivot the gutter 24 forwhatever purpose is required.

Due to the simplicity of the brackets 12, one may connect just about anyform of gutter thereto. The drawings illustrate a gutter 24 ofstepped-down cross-sectional size to that of the cross-section of thebrackets 12 however it is to be understood that the gutter 24 need notbe of this exact cross-sectional shape and may vary. The skilledaddressee would understand that the gutter system 10 is preferablyadapted for the building of new homes however due to its adaptability,the gutter system 10 may well be retrofitted into existing homes andother structures. For example, one simply needs to dismantle an existinggutter from a fascia or other surface and install the new system 10. Ifthe existing gutters of the home are requested by the homeowner to beused due to their aesthetic nature for example, the existing gutter maysimply be incorporated into the gutter system 10.

As previously mentioned, the water from the gutter system 10 must stillbe somehow transported away from the house. This is achieved quiteeasily using the various downpipes 40 of the gutter system 10 asillustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8.

As those skilled in the art would no doubt be aware, homes and otherlike structures generally have corners that either project outwardly(external corners) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, or corners that are joinedinwardly (re-entrant corners) as shown in FIG. 7. The gutter system 10is capable of accommodating for either configuration.

Rather than the downpipes being connected to the gutter 24 itself, theyare spaced a pre-determined distance below the gutter ends 38 forcollection of rainwater therein. As can be seen, the openings of thedownpipes 40 are considerably large in comparison to conventionaldownpipes of this sort. The assembler must be sure to position thedownpipes low enough to ensure that the gutter 24 has enough space therebelow to allow for it to be pivoted. One can thus appreciate that whenthe gutter 24 is in its standard rainfall receiving position, rain willsimply run off the gutter ends 38 into the downpipes 40 located therebelow. When the gutter is pivoted and say for example a hose is used tospray within the gutter under pressure, this liquid is also made to runoff the ends 38 of the gutter 24 into the downpipes 40. The downpipes 40also include strainers 42 for preventing larger particles from entering.The strainers 42 are slightly angled so as to cause water to travelalong the strainer surface and into the strainer apertures, preventingwater build-up. The strainers 42 are also surrounded by a wall 44 aroundthe periphery of the downpipe openings which as can be seen arepartially opened. The walls 44 are partially opened so that debris thatcollects on the strainers 42 may be easily removed.

For aesthetic purposes, a user may not wish for the gutter system 10 tobe viewable from the front of a home. FIG. 8 illustrates a system whichworks in the same way as hereinbefore described, however, includesgutter 46 which faces the front of a home. Rather than the end of thegutter 46 being open, an opening 48 exists in the side wall of thegutter 46 adjacent the end wall 50 so that water may travel into thedownpipe out of sight of the front of the house. Further, the downpipe40 may be positioned further on the side of the house rather then at thecorner. In fact, the gutter system 10 may vary such that open portionsof the gutter may be located at any position along the gutter dependingon the requirements of the user.

Those skilled in the art should therefore now realise the benefits ofusing the gutter system 10 according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention. The gutter system 10 provides a simple and effectivemeans of accessing a gutter 24 for cleaning and general maintenancewithout affecting the integrity of the gutter 24 as is often compromisedin existing pivotable gutter systems.

As mentioned in the preamble of the invention, it is often a requirementfor existing gutter systems to be kept and for the pivotable system tobe retrofitted thereto. For example, when one wishes to maintain theaesthetic nature of an existing gutter arrangement, the gutter system 10is not really appropriate because it requires the installation of newlydesigned and manufactured downpipes. Gutter systems 100 and 150according to a second and third embodiment of the present inventionrespectively, provide a means to overcome this problem and are describedin detail below.

Referring firstly to FIGS. 9-12 which illustrate the gutter system 100according to a second embodiment of the present invention, it can beseen that the gutter system 100 is divided into fixed gutter sections112 and pivotable gutter sections 114 which are located adjacent oneother and configured to allow for the pivot of sections 114. The guttersections 112 and 114 have substantially identical cross-sections so thatwhen the sections are aligned, an almost continuous gutter channelbetween the sections is formed. The fixed sections 112 are generallylocated at the end portions of the gutter system, for example, at thecorners of a roof. However, certain circumstances may require a fixedsection 112 to be located at other positions along the perimeter of theroof 116 and so the present invention is not to be limited to anyparticular portion of the perimeter. Existing gutter systems typicallyinclude downpipes 118 in the form of pipes of circular cross-sectionwhich extend downwards from the gutter channel typically at the ends orcorners of gutters.

As with the first embodiment, the gutter systems 100 and 150 are alsopreferably adapted to be mounted to a roof fascia 120 which caps theends of a plurality of roof rafters 122. Again, the roof 116 in thisexample is of the corrugated iron type supported on a plurality ofpurlins 123 and having end caps 124 separating each face.

Located at the ends of each pivotable section 114 are brackets 126 whichare each mounted to the fascia 120 or other similar surface which liesunderneath and extends the length of the roof 116. The brackets 126 eachinclude two primary members, a mounting member or end plate 128 that isfixedly attached to the fascia 120, and a pivotable member or supportingbase 130 to which an end of the pivotable gutter section 114 is mounted.The pivotable member 130 is in pivotable connection with the mountingmember 128 by way of a hinge 132. Each bracket 126 is positioned so thatadjoining gutter sections 112 and 114 are supported by resting on top ofthe base, i.e. the bracket straddles under the gutter sections. When thepivotable gutter section 114 is in the first water receiving position asshown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the bracket 126 covers any gap between thesections 112 and 114. It is to be understood that some roof edges may beof a larger length whereby further brackets (not shown) may be requiredalong the length of the gutter section 14 for further support and toassist in the pivoting motion of the gutter section 114.

As with the first embodiment, those skilled in the art shouldimmediately realise the simplicity and effectiveness of the guttersystem 100 in that the pivotable gutter sections 114 are pivotable froma standard water receiving position (as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11) to apivoted position to facilitate cleaning and maintenance thereof (asshown in FIGS. 10 and 12), whilst still being able to use knownarrangements for directing water away from the gutter system 100, inthis case being the downpipes 118.

The bracket 126 may be seen most clearly in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b.Mounting member 128 comprises a vertical section 134 for mounting to asurface, a recessed section 136 extending outwardly therefrom designedto allow for various extensions of the roof 116, and a locking lip 138extending outwardly from a substantially upwardly extending end of themember 128. As mentioned, the pivotable member 130 is of a shape toaccommodate D-gutters and is thus contoured accordingly. A roundedtermination 140 of the pivotable member 130 includes an aperture 142adapted to engage the locking lip 138 by simply lifting the pivotablemember 130 until the aperture 140 is able to pass over lip 138. Thepresent invention is not intended to be limited to this type ofconnection means, however, if this connection means is to be used, thebracket 126 should be of a flexibility to allow for the movement of thepivotable member 130 to engage the lip 138.

The bracket also includes a sealing means 141 in the form of a foam sealwhich extends along the inner side of the vertical section 132 of themounting member 128 and along the inner side of the pivotable member 130up to but not including the rounded termination 140. As those skilled inthe art would realise, when the bracket is engaged and the gutter is inthe water receiving position, the foam seal 142 extends along the gapbetween gutter sections 112 and 114 to thereby keep water from leakingout through the gap. This is the reason that the bracket extends a shortdistance past the ends of the pivotable gutter sections 114 as mentionedearlier, so as to accommodate for the end of the fixed section 112 andto thereby achieve an effective seal.

As is further illustrated in the accompanying drawings, vertical side134 of the mounting member 128 is fastened to the fascia 120 usingscrews 144 which may either be screwed over the top of the sealing means141 or underneath the sealing means 141. The end of the pivotable guttersection 114 is mounted to the outer edge of the pivotable member 130 ofthe bracket 126 using rivets 146.

When the brackets 126 and associated pivotable gutter sections 114 arepositioned as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, rainwater that falls onto thepitched roof 116 runs down into the gutter section 114 in the same wayit does in gutter section 112. Because a seal between the guttersections 112 and 114 exists, water is able to flow from the pivotablesection 114 to the fixed section 112 as would be the case in aconventional gutter system.

FIGS. 10 and 12 illustrate the gutter system 100 when the pivotablemembers 130 of each bracket 126 has been disengaged from the mountingmembers 128 and the pivotable gutter sections 114 thus in a pivotedposition. When the gutter section 114 is in this position, it allows forthe inside of the gutter to be very quickly and easily cleaned andgenerally allows for easy access to the inside of the gutter section forany other purpose that may be required, such as for maintenance andrepair.

The skilled addressee would understand that the gutter system 100according to a second embodiment of the invention is preferably adaptedfor the building of new homes, however due to its adaptability, may wellbe retrofitted into existing homes and other structures. For example,one simply needs to cut out a section of the gutter that is required tobe pivotable, fasten the brackets to the appropriate area, and thensimply mount the gutter section that has been cut out between thebrackets. This is useful in that installation of the new system becomescheaper because of the use of the existing gutter and downpipes, andalso to preserve the original visual appearance of the home.

Furthermore, in the case of newly installed systems, manufacturingequipment used to make gutter system components such as gutter channelsand downpipes, need only be reconfigured slightly to incorporate the newfeatures of the gutter system 100. There is no longer the need toredesign and manufacture a new downpipe arrangement as the gutter system100 incorporates existing downpipe arrangements as part of the system.

Due to the simplicity of the brackets 126 one may connect just about anyform of gutter thereto by simply selecting the contour of the bracketpivotable member 130 to match the contour of the gutter. Alternatively,rather than the gutter sections 112 and 114 being of stepped-downcross-sectional size to that of the cross-section of the brackets 126,as is illustrated, they may simply be of a size to accommodate varioustypes of gutter cross-section.

It is to be further understood that pivoting of the gutter section 114need not necessarily be achieved by manually disengaging the connectionmeans and moving it. For example, the bracket 126 may well bemechanised, or may incorporate the use of activating solenoids.

As with the first embodiment, the gutter system 100 may well include alinking means (not shown) that links the pivotable member 130 of opposedbrackets 126 such that when the rounded termination 140 of pivotablemember 130 of a single bracket 126 is lifted above lip 138 fordisengagement therefrom, the pivotable member 130 of the opposed bracket126 is simultaneously unlocked from its respective lip 138.

It is to be understood that the methods of connection as described abovemay well vary also. For example, bracket 126 may be mounted to fascia120 using a form of adhesive (not shown) that is capable of fixing themounting member 128 and supporting the remainder of the apparatusincluding the weight of any debris that may enter the gutter section114. Rather than using rivets 146 to attach the gutter section 114 tothe pivotable member 130 of the bracket 126, the pivotable member 130may well be constructed integrally with the gutter section.

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate a third and final embodiment of the presentinvention, gutter system 150, which also includes fixed 152 andpivotable 154 gutter sections. Some features of the gutter system 100that have not been altered are referred to in the following descriptionof the third embodiment using like numbers.

In the gutter system 100, the brackets 126 performed two functions. Theynot only allowed the pivotable gutter section 114 to pivot, they alsoprovided a seal between the sections 112 and 114. In this embodiment,brackets 156 are not positioned at the ends of the pivotable sections154 but are shifted inwards. This is because they no longer provide theseal required between sections 152 and 154, but simply provide for thepivoting motion of the pivotable gutter sections 154. The sealing of thegap between sections 152 and 154 is achieved through the relationshipbetween the ends of sections 152 and 154 which will later be explained.

The brackets 156 each include a mounting member 158, and a pivotablemember 160 in the form of a rectangular plate in pivotable connectionwith the mounting member 158 through hinge 162. As can be seen clearlyin FIGS. 15 and 16, the pivotable member 130 of the previous bracket 126is replaced by the pivotable gutter section 154 itself. The innervertical side 164 of the pivotable gutter section 154 is connected toeach plate 160 through rivets 166. The engagement means of bracket 156is virtually identical to that of bracket 126. The only differenceresides in the fact that locking lip 168 of mounting member 158 extendsthrough an aperture 170 in a buckle 172 which is connected to therounded edge of the gutter section 154 by a rivet 174.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the way in which sections 152 and 154are sealed can be appreciated. The end of the fixed gutter section 152now includes an internal sealing member 175 which is contoured to theinside of the fixed gutter section 152 and extends longitudinallyoutwards therefrom. Approximately half the length of the sealing member175 is fixed within the section 152 by rivets 176 whilst the other halfextends outwards. Located uniformly around the outer surface of thesealing member is a sealing sponge 178 or other suitable sealing means.During assembly, the ends of the pivotable gutter sections 154 areadapted to be positioned adjacent the ends of the fixed sections 152such that when in a first water receiving position, the sealing member175 also extends into the end of the pivotable section 154 thusproviding a substantially horizontal surface upon which water is able toflow.

In this configuration, since the use of a simple rivet will not providean adequate seal, water that may travel underneath the sealing member175 as opposed to over it, is soaked up by the sealing sponge 178thereby effectively sealing the gap between sections 152 and 154.Pivotable gutter section 154 also includes a cut-out 180 so that it isable to pivot as required.

As those skilled in the art would understand, it is not essential forbracket 156 to be positioned at the very ends of the pivotable guttersections 154 but in order to ensure that an effective seal is achieved,it is preferable for the brackets 156 to be positioned as close to theends as possible.

This third embodiment allows for the pivotable motion of the guttersection 154 and an effective seal between fixed 152 and pivotable 154gutter sections, without the visibility of a pivoting bracket member,thereby improving the overall aesthetic nature of the gutter system 150.A further benefit is that during installation of such gutter systems150, one no longer has to secure the brackets 156 at precise positionsalong the fascia 120.

A proposed solution to making cleaning of gutters easier is through theuse of a gutter guard or gutter protection device. None of these priorart devices are known to prevent all particulate matter, includingminiscule particles, from entering a gutter and therefore regularcleaning of the gutter is always required. In simply using a gutterguard, the intervals at which the gutter is cleaned may be prolonged butnonetheless, the gutter must still be cleaned which necessitates a quickand easy method of accessing the gutter. The pivotable nature of thegutter system of each embodiment of the present invention solves thisknown problem.

Those skilled in the art should therefore now realise the benefits ofusing the gutter systems embodying the present invention. The proposedgutter systems provide a simple yet effective means of accessing agutter by way of pivoting only a section of the gutter for cleaning andgeneral maintenance, with the option of retrofitting the gutter systemso that existing downpipe arrangements are not substantially interferedwith. The gutter systems 10, 100 and 150 of the present invention thusserve to maintain the integrity of conventional gutter systems which isoften compromised in pivotable gutter systems hitherto known.

The components of the gutter systems 10, 100 and 150 disclosed hereinare preferably constructed substantially of aluminium due to itscorrosion resistance, or any other suitable metal having similarproperties or which at least may be coated with a water and/or windresistant coating (not shown) such as a zinc-based coating, for example.Alternatively, these components may be constructed of a suitable plasticmaterial.

Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the presentinvention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention hasbeen shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practicaland preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be madetherefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not tobe limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded thefull scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devicesand apparatus.

1. A gutter system including: a longitudinal gutter; at least two support brackets spaced apart along said longitudinal gutter for supporting the gutter below a roof edge, whereby each of said at least two support brackets includes a mounting member adapted to be fixedly mounted to a surface below the roof edge, and a pivotable member having said gutter attached thereto, said pivotable member being pivotably moveable between a first position wherein said gutter is positioned to receive liquid, to a second position wherein said gutter is easily accessible from a position therebelow.
 2. A gutter system according to claim 1 wherein said mounting member includes two perpendicular edges, a side edge for mounting to said surface and a top edge adapted to extend outwards from said surface over said gutter.
 3. A gutter system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said pivotable member includes two perpendicular edges, a bottom edge which extends outwards from said surface and beneath said gutter and a side edge to which said gutter is attached.
 4. A gutter system according to claim 3 wherein the bottom edge of the pivotable member is pivotably connected to the side edge of the mounting member whilst the side edge of the pivotable member is lockable to the top edge of the mounting member.
 5. A gutter system according to claim 4 wherein said lock is in the form of a latch.
 6. A gutter system according to any one of the above claims wherein said pivotable member first position constitutes said pivotable member being locked to said mounting member whilst said pivotable member second position constitutes said pivotable member being unlocked from said mounting member and in a fully pivoted position.
 7. A gutter system according to any one of the above claims wherein movement of said pivotable member from said first position to said second position involves a rotation of approximately 90 degrees.
 8. A gutter system according to any one of the above claims wherein said gutter includes at least one open portion adapted to permit the exit of liquid from said gutter.
 9. A gutter system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one open portion of the gutter is located at an end thereof.
 10. A gutter system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one open portion may be located at any point along said gutter.
 11. A gutter system according to any one of claims 8-10 wherein said gutter system includes at least one downpipe including at least one inlet of a sufficient size to allow liquid from one or more gutter open portions to be received therein.
 12. A gutter system according to claim 11 wherein said downpipe inlet is located a pre-determined distance below said at least one gutter open portion thereby allowing liquid from said gutter to be received therein.
 13. A gutter system according to any one of the above claims wherein said pre-determined distance between the at least one gutter open portion and the downpipe inlet is sufficient to allow for said pivotable member to be rotated to said second position.
 14. A gutter system according to any one of the above claims wherein said pivotable member is in said second position, said at least one gutter open portion remains above the corresponding downpipe inlet so that liquid may continue to be received therein.
 15. A gutter system according to any one of the above claims wherein said at least one downpipe includes a straining means for preventing foreign particles from entering said downpipe.
 16. A gutter system according to any one of the above claims wherein each of said brackets of said gutter system are affiliated with one another in such a way that when a pivotable member of one bracket is unlocked from a corresponding mounting member, the pivotable members of the remaining brackets are also unlocked from each of their corresponding mounting members.
 17. A gutter system of the type adapted to be mounted beneath a longitudinal roof edge, said gutter system including: a plurality of brackets mounted at spaced apart longitudinal intervals below said roof edge whereby each of said brackets includes a mounting member and a gutter carrying member pivotably connected thereto and pivotably moveable between a first and a second position; a longitudinal gutter including two opposed open ends, said gutter adapted to be carried within the gutter carrying members of each of said spaced apart brackets such that when the gutter carrying members are in said first position, the gutter is adapted to receive liquid from thereabove, and when the gutter carrying members are in the second position, the gutter is pivoted for easier access thereto; and at least one downpipe located a pre-determined distance below said gutter open ends for receiving liquid therefrom, said pre-determined distance being sufficient to allow for pivot of the gutter carrying member into said second position.
 18. A gutter system including: at least a first gutter section; at least a second gutter section, said second gutter section being moveable between a first position wherein at least one water receiving surface of said first and second gutter sections are axially aligned, and a second position whereby said water receiving surfaces are misaligned such that said second gutter section is more easily accessible from a position therebelow.
 19. A gutter system according to claim 18 wherein said first gutter section is adapted to be fixedly mounted to a surface below a roof edge and said second gutter section is pivotably mounted to said surface.
 20. A gutter system according to claim 18 or 19 wherein said gutter system includes a sealing means adapted to seal the gap between the first and second gutter sections to thereby integrate the respective water receiving surfaces when the second gutter section is in the first position.
 21. A gutter system according to claim 20 wherein said first gutter section includes at least one means of transporting water away from the gutter system.
 22. A gutter system according to any one of claim 21 wherein said water transporting means is in the form of a downpipe.
 23. A gutter system according to any one of claims 18-22 wherein said gutter system includes at least two spaced apart brackets, each of said brackets including a mounting member, and a gutter carrying member pivotably connected thereto, said gutter carrying members adapted to support said second gutter section.
 24. A gutter system according to any one of claims 18-23 wherein said sealing means is in the form of a sealing material lining at least the inner side of the gutter carrying member.
 25. A gutter system according to any one of claims 18-23 wherein said sealing means is in the form of a sealing material lining the inner side of the mounting member and the gutter carrying member.
 26. A gutter system according to any one of claims 18-25 wherein a bracket is mounted adjacent each end of the second gutter such that when the second gutter section is in said first position, the sealing material lining the inner side of the bracket provides a seal at the junction between respective first and second gutter sections.
 27. A gutter system according to any one of claims 18-26 wherein said mounting member includes two perpendicular edges, a side edge for mounting to said surface and a top edge which extends over said gutter, said top edge including a recess for allowing space for said roof edge.
 28. A gutter system according to any one of claims 18-27 wherein said pivotable member is contoured to the cross-sectional shape of the gutter.
 29. A gutter system according to any one of claims 18-28 wherein said second gutter section is lockable in said first position.
 30. A gutter system according to any one of claims 18-29 wherein said lock is in the form of a latch.
 31. A gutter system according to any one of claims 18-30 wherein movement of said pivotable member from said first position to said second position involves a rotation of approximately 90 degrees.
 32. A gutter system including: at least a first gutter section; at least a second gutter section, said second gutter section being pivotably moveable between a first position wherein at least one water receiving surface of said first and second gutter sections are axially aligned, and a second position whereby said water receiving surfaces are misaligned such that said second gutter section is more easily accessible from a position therebelow, said first gutter section including a sealing means adapted to seal the gap between the first and second gutter sections when said second gutter section is in said first position.
 33. A gutter system according to claim 32 wherein said sealing means is a sealing material lining the inner surface of an end of the first gutter, said sealing material extending longitudinally beyond the end so that when the second gutter section is in said first position, the sealing material seals the gap between the first and second gutter sections to thereby form a single water receiving surface.
 34. A gutter system according to claim 32 or claim 33 wherein said second gutter section is lockable in said first position.
 35. A gutter system according to claim 34 wherein said lock is in the form of a latch.
 36. A gutter system according to any one of claims 32-35 wherein movement of said pivotable member from said first position to said second position involves a rotation of approximately 90 degrees. 